LGBT Awareness Training FAQs

Questions Applicable To Law Enforcement In Every State

Who should complete LGBT awareness training?Every employee of every law enforcement agency should be provided with LGBT awareness training. This training supports LGBTQ+ law enforcement co-workers and members of the community.

Does the course instructor have to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community?No. Anyone with knowledge about sexual orientation and gender identity as well as some basic history related to the LGBTQ community can successfully provide this training.

If I’m a straight ally and don’t know anything about LGBTQ+ people, how can I prepare myself to teach this class?We recommend our books as a great source of information necessary to successfully provide LGBT awareness training. The second edition of “Coming Out From Behind The Badge” covers all of the topics necessary for this training.

Does course material already exist that I can use to provide this training?Yes. We offer an instructor guide that connects with our books that includes a course outline, lesson plan, and learning activities.

Should I involve my local LGBTQ community in presenting this training?Maybe. Depending on how much time you are allowed to present this training and what you intend to accomplish, it may be very advantageous team-up with a member of the local LGBTQ+ community. Involving the community can build trust. We highly recommend seeking out and using LGBTQ+ members of law enforcement to be the lead instructor.

Who profits from providing this training?No individual person receives compensation from the training we provide. All of the proceeds collected from the purchase of certificates and collection of course fees go to our scholarship and grant fund. Out To Protect does not have any paid employees.

Questions Applicable To California

Under section 13519.41PC, who is required to complete LGBT awareness training?All law enforcement officers and 9-1-1 dispatchers are required to complete this training.

What topics must be included in this training?The law specifies five areas that must be included in the training. These topics include:A. The difference between sexual orientation and gender identity and how these two aspects of identity relate to each other and to race, culture, and religion.B. The terminology used to identify and describe sexual orientation and gender identity.C. How to create an inclusive workplace within law enforcement for sexual orientation and gender identity minorities.D. Important moments in history related to sexual orientation and gender identity minorities and law enforcement.E. How law enforcement can respond effectively to domestic violence and hate crimes involving sexual orientation and gender identity minorities.

How many hours of this training is required and how long should it be?The law does not specify a minimum or maximum number of hours for training. California P.O.S.T. will not certify a course less than 2 hours in length. Our model course requires 4 hours to deliver. We recommend 4 hours as a minimum.

What are the requirements to teach this course?Anyone with the required knowledge can teach this course. You do not need to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. It is recommended that instructors have completed basic instructional skills training. Straight allies can prepare themselves by completing our online “LGBT Awareness For Law Enforcement Course” and by reading the second edition of “Coming Out From Behind The Badge.“

When is the content going to be required for the basic law enforcement academy?California P.O.S.T. has already completed the curriculum development for the basic law enforcement course. We anticipate it being included and required for the basic course by the start of 2020.

How do I get a course California P.O.S.T. certified?You should contact your agency training manager. The area consultant from California P.O.S.T. will work with your department to secure course certification.

Is there a training for trainers course available?Yes. A P.O.S.T. certified LGBT Awareness For California Law Enforcement Training For Trainers course is available at the Napa Valley Criminal Justice Training Center. The course is 8 hours in length. Go too www.nvccjtc.org to learn more.